MRI 201 - Computer Applications in Medical Imaging

2. Know the components of a computer system and their functions. Distinguish between the various types of networks and describe how to apply various types of medical imaging networks and software. Identify the various input/output devices used on computer systems.

3. Understand functioning of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACs) and interoperability with other systems such as Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS).

4. Describe image quality factors and quality control assessments. Demonstrate use of standard tools included with all mainstream PACs systems. Describe image evaluation; artifact reduction and preventive maintenance to ensure a quality product is delivered to the radiologist.

5. Distinguish between various types of patient records. Understand governmental regulations applied to patient records. List the content of a patient record.

6. Identify the challenges in protecting patient information.
Course Outline:
I. Identify various terms related to computer fundamentals and components.

A. Discuss and define medical informatics and list examples of informatics systems currently found in the imaging department.

B. Apply current MRI knowledge base to use computerized systems in medical imaging.

C. Describe the major function of the central processing unit (CPU) and identify how it relates to imaging.

D. Identify the hardware components related to computer fundamentals (i.e. hard drive, mouse)

E. Differentiate between the internet, intranet, and other online services.

F. List the various types of memory.

II. Identify and discuss the types of computer systems used in medical imaging.

A. Identify the types of computers used in health care.

B. Discuss the radiology information system (RIS).

C. Discuss the hospital information system (HIS).

D. Differentiate between the RIS and HIS system.

E. Define picture archival and communication system (PACS).

F. Define digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM).

G. Discuss network topology and list the factors that determine which network the imaging department should use.

H. Describe the distinguishing features of the MRI computer.

III.  Define and distinguish between analog-to-digital conversion and digital signal processor.

A. Define analog-to-digital converter.

B. Discuss the purpose of the digital-to-analog converter and its importance to MRI imaging.

C. Identify the steps that occur from the digital-to-analog converter to the RF power amplifier.

D. Define digital signal processor (DSP).

E. Discuss the purpose of the digital signal processor and its importance to MRI imaging.

F. Identify the benefit of having more than one digital signal processor.

IV. Describe and discuss the use of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in medical imaging.

A. Discuss the use of technology to retrieve, evaluate, and apply information to patient images.

B. Discuss what a picture archival and communication system (PACS) is and determine its use in the imaging department.

C. Identify the various systems that make up the PACS (i.e. physician review station, archive system, RIS).

D. Compare and contrast the various types of PACS display workstations.

E. Differentiate among the different types of digital imaging workflow.

F. Summarize the common functions found on a PACS workstation.

G. Discuss the image manipulation and enhancement functions after the exam has been saved (i.e. window/level, annotation, flip and rotate).

V. Identify the major components of the MRI system and the subassemblies of each.

A. Identify the hardware requirements for the MRI system.

B. Name the three major components of an MRI system.

C. List the three types of MRI systems and describe features of each.

D. Identify the principle controls on the MRI operating console.

E. Discuss the cryogen storage and cryogenerator and their importance to MRI.

F. Identify the shim coils and their purpose.

G. Discuss the gradient coils.

H. Describe quadrature detection and its relevance to MRI signal detection.

I. Explain the functionality of the radio frequency system in MR imaging.

J. List the advantages and disadvantages of surface coil imaging.

K. List the advantages and disadvantages of both permanent and superconducting electromagnets.

L. Identify the characteristics of the Bo magnetic field that influence site selection.

M. Name equipment that can be caused to malfunction because of the fringe magnetic field.

N. Describe why the MRI department suite must be RF shielded.

O. Discuss construction features particularly appropriate for an MRI suite.

P. Discuss digital imaging in MRI.

Q. Discuss matrix, voxel, and k-space.

R. Describe the features of a visual image.

S. Discuss the representation image.

T. Discuss the pixel character of an MRI image.

VI. Differentiate among the various input and output devices.

A. List the components of a computer that make up the input devices.

B. List the components of a computer that make up the output devices.

C. Discuss the area of the imaging department that voice activation and voice output might be useful.

D. Discuss the various types of imaging monitors and identify which type of most appropriate for the imaging department.

VII. Identify the components of an electronic medical record and the challenges of protecting patient information.

A. Discuss ethics and identify how to apply them to the Radiology department.

B. Differentiate between the various patient records.

C. List the contents of a medical record.

D. Discuss the proper procedure for charting in a patient’s medical record.

E. Assess HIPPA and its application to the patient information system.

F. List the requirements of a patient consent document.

G. Identify the challenges in protecting patient information.

H. Discuss privacy and regulatory issues related to patient information.

I. Identify potential abuses related to using confidential patient information.